### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **taʻărubâh**, represented by `{{H8594}}`, is a specific term for a **pledge** or **hostage**. Derived from a root word related to suretyship, it appears only **2 times** in **2 verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is concretely applied to people taken as a guarantee or pledge in the context of military conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H8594}}` appears in parallel accounts of a king plundering Jerusalem. After a victory, the king of Israel **took** `{{H3947}}` all the **gold** `{{H2091}}`, **silver** `{{H3701}}`, and sacred **vessels** `{{H3627}}` from the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` and the **treasures** `{{H214}}` of the **king's** `{{H4428}}` house. Alongside this material wealth, he also took **hostages** before returning to **Samaria** `{{H8111}}` ([[2 Kings 14:14]], [[2 Chronicles 25:24]]). The word is used in conjunction with **bên** `{{H1121}}`, indicating that the hostages were specifically "sons of the pledge."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **taʻărubâh** is used:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is used directly with `{{H8594}}` in both of its occurrences, specifying that the hostages were sons, who were taken as a living pledge or security deposit ([[2 Kings 14:14]], [[2 Chronicles 25:24]]).
* `{{H3947}}` **lâqach** (to take): This is the action verb used to describe the seizure of the hostages along with other spoils. It signifies a forcible taking, as in carrying away plunder after a battle [[2 Kings 14:14]].
* `{{H214}}` **ʼôwtsâr** (treasure): Hostages are listed with the contents of the **treasures** of the king's house and the house of God. This juxtaposition shows that human pledges were quantified as part of the valuable assets seized during warfare [[2 Chronicles 25:24]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): The entire event is an action undertaken by a **king**, highlighting that the taking of hostages was an instrument of royal power and a consequence of conflict between kingdoms [[2 Kings 14:14]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8594}}` is found in its specific, context-driven meaning:
* **Human Collateral:** The term illustrates a practice where people, specifically sons, were used as a form of security or pledge. They are itemized alongside **gold** `{{H2091}}` and **silver** `{{H3701}}`, demonstrating that human lives were treated as valuable assets to guarantee a treaty or to serve as spoils of war [[2 Kings 14:14]].
* **The Spoils of War:** The taking of hostages from the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` and the **king's** `{{H4428}}` house underscores the totality of defeat. It signifies a violation that extends beyond material loss to the seizure of people from the most powerful and sacred institutions in the kingdom.
* **A Pledge of Submission:** As a form of suretyship, the taking of **hostages** `{{H8594}}` was a means of enforcing the submission of a conquered party. Their lives served as a guarantee against future rebellion, making the term a stark reminder of the human cost of political and military struggles.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8594}}` **taʻărubâh** is a rare but potent word that exclusively means **hostage** or **pledge** in its biblical appearances. It is not used metaphorically but rather to describe the literal practice of taking people, particularly sons, as collateral during military conflict. Its inclusion with plundered **treasures** `{{H214}}` highlights the grim reality of ancient warfare, where human beings could be quantified and seized as instruments of power and security.
TRV